Honda Center overhauls food, concessions

Guests attending the Premium Tasting Event at the Honda Center line up to try the new cuisine to be served in The Grand Terrace. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The largest improvement project to hit Honda Center in 20 years includes a top-to-bottom overhaul of the arena's food operations – a makeover that spans everything from new popcorn to rustic communal meals at a members-only dining club.

“We're turning over a new leaf,” said Joseph “Jo Jo” Doyle, the arena's new executive chef.

Doyle, hired from Churchill Downs in Kentucky, is among more than 700 new employees brought on to replace Aramark – a hospitality company believed to have missed the mark with fans when it came to food and service. Aramark was recently dismissed by Angel Stadium.

By bringing the food division in-house, Honda Center CEO Tim Ryan said, the arena is poised to become a world-class facility fit for hosting an NBA team – a longtime goal of Henry and Susan Samueli, who own the company that manages the arena. A key part of the $20 million expansion is the 530-seat Grand Terrace – a members-only restaurant that boasts an expansive balcony with two outdoor bars flanked by fire pits.

Grand Terrace's 1,000 members pay $400 each season to enter the premium 15,000-square-foot dining space that overlooks Katella Avenue. The menu features “Big Share” rustic dishes like smoked barbecue ribs and bourbon-glazed pork served in large aluminum pans for fans to share. Platters cost $17 to $28. Exhibition food stations include a sushi bar and pizzas made in a “wood stone” oven.

Membership is sold out with a waiting list. Fox Sports will set up a studio on the Tuscany-theme patio for pre- and postgame shows.

“I don't think there's anything like this in any other venue in the country,” said Julie Margolin, the arena's new director of food and beverage.

In the general public sections, Honda Center is adding a Wolfgang Puck restaurant, Pick Up Stix and a Chipotle-style build-your-own burrito concession stand. General seating will feature vendors selling snacks; bagged, flavored popcorn; candies; and beverages during period breaks – something never offered before.

“We see vending as a great opportunity (for fans) to be catered to,” said Margolin, who previously worked at Staples Center and Nokia Theatre.

She outlined other key changes:

Anaheim Chile is a new assembly-line Mexican concept that allows fans to custom-order burritos. The menu also includes quesadillas, salads, nachos and a tortilla burger. Tacos are not on the menu. Prices range from $7 to $10.

“It's all about making it fresher and more personalized for our fans,” Margolin said.

On the Terrace level near Anaheim Chile is Cantina Roja, a full bar that features cocktails, craft beers and Mexican beers.

Main Street Deli is being upgraded to include hot sandwiches, including French dip and meatball sandwiches.

O.C. Grill is gone. Fans can find the Philly Cheesesteaks previously served at the grill at the Burger Bistro. Also gone is Oggi's Pizza, which has been replaced by Anaheim Pizza Co., an in-house concession that serves pizza by the slice.

General concessions are combining food offerings such as french fries, chicken fingers and hot dogs so fans can purchase them at the same stand instead of separately like before, Margolin said. Concession stands and carts have switched to Magic Mushroom – a higher quality buttered popcorn. Stands and roaming vendors are selling four flavors of bagged popcorn by Popcornopolis: kettle corn, caramel corn, zebra corn (caramel corn topped with white and milk chocolate) and jalapeno cheddar.

Most of the major food changes will be in place by tonight's game, with the exception of Puck's Tavern. The 250-seat restaurant opens in November and will feature full-service dining and an express counter that sells the celebrity chef's famous pizzas.

Related Links

Guests attending the Premium Tasting Event at the Honda Center line up to try the new cuisine to be served in The Grand Terrace. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Honda Center's new Grand Terrace menu will include short ribs. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Bourbon glazed pork tenderloin at the Honda Center is served with sweet potatoes, apple bacon, pecan brittle, and fried Brussels sprouts. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Honda Center's new Grand Terrace menu will include fried chicken with island baked beans and Jamaican callaloo. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Guests attending the Premium Tasting Event at the Honda Center line up to try the new cuisine to be served in The Grand Terrace. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A first look at The Grand Terrace at the Honda Center. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A first look at The Grand Terrace at the Honda Center. At the time the photo was taken the outside patio was in it's final stages of construction. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A first look at The Grand Terrace at the Honda Center. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A first look at The Grand Terrace at the Honda Center. At the time the photo was taken the outside patio was in its final stages of construction. LEONARD ORTIZ, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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